Uav mounting system

ABSTRACT

A payload system for an unmanned aerial vehicle (“UAV”), including a plurality of payload modules configured to attach to an underside of the UAV, wherein each payload module defines a curved surface having a plurality of mounting holes therethrough, and wherein the plurality of payload modules is interconnected to form a substantially continuous mounting surface.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of patent application Ser. No.15/273,773, filed Sep. 23, 2016, entitled IMPROVED UAV MOUNTING SYSTEM,which application is related to and claims priority to U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application Ser. No. 62/222,491, filed Sep. 23, 2015, entitledIMPROVED UAV MOUNTING SYSTEM, the entirety of all of which isincorporated herein by reference.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

n/a

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a methods and systems for mountingvarious instruments, optics, or other devices and/or payloads tounmanned aerial vehicles.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The rising popularity and mainstream use of unmanned aerial vehicles(“UAV”) for commercial and industrial uses has led to the development ofnumerous applications and services involving such UAVs. With suchburgeoning development, it is becoming increasingly difficult toadequately mount specific selections or combinations of optical,photographic, or other instrumentation and devices to a UAV forindividualized use in a particular application, which may also includeemploying the UAV as a transport and/or delivery vehicle for goods,equipment, instrumentation, or the like. While some existing UAVmounting systems may include one or more supports or gimbals to attach asmall number of instruments, the range of adjustments or configurationscontinues to be limited, thus restricting use and effectiveness of aUAV. The present disclosure provides improved systems and methods of usethereof for attaching payloads externally to a UAV that offer increasedflexibility in carrying capacity and mounting position/orientation thanis currently available.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure provides improved systems and methods of usethereof for attaching payloads externally to a UAV that offer increasedflexibility in carrying capacity and mounting position/orientation. Forexample, a mounting system is provided for a variety of UAVs, includinggyroscopic helicopters, tri-copters, quad-copters, and UAVs with morethan 4 propellers. The mounting system may include one or more bracketsthat can function as a single bracket or a plurality of bracketsdepending on the needs of the user, carrying capacity of the UAV, andheight of landing gear already present in UAV. There is no limit to thenumber of brackets that can be combined. The mounting system may be usedto carry photographic and video equipment including but not limited to:lighting, camera, sound, batteries, and video recording devices as partof a payload.

Mounting brackets of the present disclosure may consist of a series ofthreaded holes and slots sized to standard photographic camera mountsizes, including for example, ¼″ and/or ⅜″ diameter. Multiple bracketsmay be implemented on a single UAV to increase the flexibility of thepositioning of the payload, thereby exponentially increasing, amongothers, potential photographic and video applications.

A payload system for an unmanned aerial vehicle (“UAV”) is disclosed,including a plurality of payload modules configured to attach to anunderside of the UAV, wherein each payload module defines a curvedsurface having a plurality of mounting holes therethrough, and whereinthe plurality of payload modules is interconnected to form asubstantially continuous mounting surface. The mounting holes may behexagonally shaped, and/or the plurality of payload modules may besufficiently rigid to support a weight of the UAV. The substantiallycontinuous mounting surface may define a circumference betweenapproximately 180 degrees and approximately 300 degrees. The pluralityof payload modules may be interconnected by one or more connectorsdefining protrusions matable with one or more of the mounting holes. Theone or more connectors may each include four protrusion arranged in asubstantially “+” shaped configuration. The plurality of payload modulesmay define a basket configured to carry one or more instruments therein.Each of the plurality of payload modules may be vertically aligned toform columns. The plurality of mounting holes of each payload module maybe configured in an elongated configuration having three holes across awidth and nine holes along a length of the payload module. Each of theplurality of payload modules may be constructed from a buoyant material.The payload system may include at least one of a video device,photography device, sensor, and instrument mounted to at least one ofthe payload modules. The payload system may include one or more lightingelements attached to at least one of the payload modules.

An unmanned aerial vehicle (“UAV”) mounting system is provided,including a plurality of vertically-oriented payload modules configuredto attach to the UAV, each payload module defining a curved surfacehaving a plurality of hexagonally-shaped mounting holes therethrough; aplurality of connectors interconnecting the plurality of payloadmodules, wherein each connector defines one or more hexagonally-shapedprotrusions matable with the mounting holes; and at least one of a videodevice, photography device, sensor, and instrument mounted to thepayload modules. The plurality of payload modules may be sufficientlyrigid to support a weight of the UAV when landing. The interconnectedpayload modules may define a substantially continuous mounting surfacearound at least a portion of the UAV. The substantially continuousmounting surface may define a circumference between approximately 180degrees and approximately 300 degrees. The plurality of payload modulesmay define a basket configured to carry one or more instruments therein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A more complete understanding of the present invention, and theattendant advantages and features thereof, will be more readilyunderstood by reference to the following detailed description whenconsidered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is an illustration of an embodiment of a mounting system for anunmanned aerial vehicle constructed in accordance with the principles ofthe present invention;

FIG. 2 is an illustration of an example of a mounting bracket of themounting system shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an illustration of the bracket of FIG. 2 with additionalmounting components (such as, for example, R/C servo motors) attachedthereto;

FIG. 4 is another illustration of the bracket of FIG. 2 with additionalmounting components attached thereto;

FIG. 5 is an illustration of another embodiment of a payload mountingsystem for an unmanned aerial vehicle constructed in accordance with theprinciples of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is an illustration of an example of a mounting bracket of themounting system shown in FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is an illustration of an example of a payload structure module ofthe mounting system shown in FIG. 5;

FIG. 8 is a top view illustration of the payload structure module shownin FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is an illustration of an example of a connector of the mountingsystem shown in FIG. 5;

FIG. 10 is another illustration of the connector shown in FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is an illustration of an example of a configuration of a UAV andpayload mounting system constructed in accordance with the principles ofthe present invention; and

FIG. 12 is another illustration of the UAV and payload mounting systemof FIG. 11.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure provides improved systems and methods of usethereof for attaching payloads externally to a UAV that offer increasedflexibility in carrying capacity and mounting position/orientation. Nowreferring to FIGS. 1-4, an example of an exemplary mounting system 10for an unmanned aerial vehicle is shown. The system 10 may generallyinclude one or more brackets 12, 12′ that are engageable with a UAV (notshown) to facilitate attaching and orienting payload devices, such asthose for photography, cinematography, scientific instrumentation, orother devices or components, to the UAV. The brackets 12 may beconstructed from a variety of materials providing desired rigidity,strength, and weight specifications, and may include, for example,aluminum, titanium, carbon fiber, or other polymers, alloys, and/orcombinations thereof.

The bracket(s) 12 may generally include a first portion 14, and a secondportion 16 coupled to or extending from the first portion 14 at anangle. In one example, the second portion may be substantiallyperpendicular to the first portion, however, a range of angularconfigurations are contemplated. The first portion 14 of the bracket 12may define one or more UAV mounting features 18 that allow the bracket12 to be coupled to a UAV (either directly or to an extension orintermediary component of the UAV) with one or more fasteners orlinkages. The UAV mounting feature(s) 18 may, for example, include oneor more openings or apertures in the first portion 14 of the bracket 12that correspond to a mounting hole pattern of a variety of UAVs as perdifferent UAV manufacturer specifications.

The second portion 16 of the bracket 12 may include a plurality ofapertures or mounting features therein to attach and orient numerousdevices suited for a particular application. For example, the secondportion 16 may include a first plurality of slots 20 that allow aparticular device or instrument to be slidably positioned along a rangeof the overall width and height of the second portion 16, as shown inFIG. 3, for example. For example, as shown in the accompanying figures,the first plurality of slots may be angularly oriented at anapproximately 45-degree angle with respect to the edges of the secondportion.

The second portion 16 of the bracket 12 may also include a secondplurality of slots 22 positioned along a height of the second portionadjacent to an outer edge of the second portion, also allowing theattachment and orientation of a selected device or instrument innumerous selectable positions along the bracket 12 as shown in FIG. 4.

The second portion 16 of the bracket 12 may also include a plurality ofdiscrete mounting holes or locations 24 thereon for the attachment ofdesired equipment or payload items. For example, as shown in theaccompanying figures, the plurality of discrete mounting locations 24may be positioned or patterned about the second portion between thefirst and second pluralities of slots. A flared surface or ridge 26 mayextend form or otherwise be attached to the second portion 16 of thebracket 12 to allow additional devices or instrumentation to attachthereto with a clip or clamping mechanism.

In an exemplary use of the system 10, brackets 12 may be mounted on thecardinal points of the UAV and can be mounted in series with 1, 2, 3, or4, brackets on a single mounting plane. Additional brackets 12 may alsobe mounted below the primary brackets to create a secure box orcontained space to contain various payloads. The positioning features ofthe system 10 allow the user to determine the precise positioning of thepayload while securing it safely and maintaining an even weightdistribution essential for flight. The features set forth herein allowusers to mount payloads directly to the exterior or interior face of oneor more brackets or to use a variety of clamps to secure payloads belowthe center of gravity of the UAV on an interior face of the bracket(s).Additionally, threaded rods (not shown) can be secured through theinterior of the bracket for additional stability. Such rods can be used,for example, to attach a camera platform creating a stable platform for1-axis rotation, or the user can mount their own multi-axis gimbal usingthe structural support rods.

Now referring to FIGS. 5-12, an additional example of a UAV payload andmounting system 30 and components thereof are shown for use with a UAV32. Similar to the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-4, the system30 offer increased flexibility in carrying capacity and mountingposition/orientation for a variety of payload devices, such as those forphotography, cinematography, scientific instrumentation, search andrescue, or other desirable devices or components. The system 30generally includes a payload structure 34 that attaches to the UAV 32through the use of one or more attachment elements or brackets 36, asshown in FIG. 6. The attachment element(s) 36 may include one or morebolt or fastener hole patterns sized and shaped to be matably connectedto corresponding mounting locations on the UAV 32, as well as one ormore bolt or hole fastener hole patterns that are matable andcomplimentary to fastening locations on the payload structure 34. Theattachment element(s) 36 may be constructed from a variety of materialsproviding desired rigidity, strength, and weight specifications, and mayinclude, for example, aluminum, titanium, carbon fiber, or otherpolymers, alloys, and/or combinations thereof.

Now referring to FIGS. 7-8, the payload structure 34 may comprise one ormore payload structure modules 38 that are selectively configurableabout the UAV 32 to circumscribe a payload region of the UAV 32 or aportion thereof (for example, between approximately 180 degrees andapproximately 300 degrees). The modules 38 may include one or more rowsand columns of individual cells 40 that facilitate attachment of payloadequipment to the payload structure 34 and thus the UAV 32. For example,in the illustrated embodiment shown in FIG. 7, the payload module 38 iscomprised of a three cell-by-nine-cell configuration. Each cell 40includes a through-hole allowing for a fastener 41, such as a bolt orscrew, to pass therethrough to attach the various payload devices,instruments, or the like. The cells 40 may each constitute a shapedrecess or countersink to reduce the overall weight of the payloadmodules 38, while maintaining structural rigidity and strength for thesecure attachment of auxiliary devices. The shaped recess or countersinkalso allows users to mount photographic, video, or other equipment 43 onthe inside surface or curvature of the structure.

In the example shown in the figures, the payload structure 34 includes aplurality of hexagonally-shaped cells 40 that form a honeycomb-likestructure around the payload region of the UAV 32. The honeycomb-likestructure provides significant strength with minimal weight, andsubstantially resists torsional forces, rotational forces, and crushingforces many times larger than its weight. Alternative cell shapes arealso contemplated, such as rectangular, square, trapezoidal, round,triangular, elliptical, or the like. The payload module(s) 38 may have acurved profile, as shown in FIG. 8, such that a plurality of payloadmodules may be attached to the UAV 32 to completely enclose and/orcircumscribe the payload area underneath the UAV 32 or a fractionthereof, as desired by the user for a particular use or application ofthe UAV. The payload module(s) 38 may be connected to form a basket-likeor other supportive configuration to loosely hold devices, instruments,or the like therein. The payload modules 38 can also be connected in aheight-wise fashion underneath the UAV to increase the overall height ofthe system 30, provide greater ground clearance for the UAV 32, andincreasing the carrying capacity as well.

The system 30 may include one or more connectors 42 to facilitateattachment of one or more payload modules 38 to each other, thebracket(s) 36, and/or the UAV 32. In the example shown in FIGS. 9-10,the connector 42 defines a curved body that has a shaped, protrudingsurface complimentary to the recessed or countersunk region of thepayload module 38, in this example being a hexagonal shape. The one ormore connectors 42 can thus be inserted into the corresponding cells oftwo or more modules 38 to secure the modules 38 to one another, withoutsignificantly increasing the overall thickness or weight of the payloadstructure 34. The connectors 42 further include a through-hole to allowthe use of bolts, screws, or other fasteners to mount equipment,devices, instruments, or the like at that particular location on thepayload structure 34. Though the connector shown in FIGS. 9-10 includesfour cells in a “+” like configuration, the number, shape, curvature(e.g., concave or convex profiles), and orientation of the cells may bemodified to suit a particular use or application of the UAV 32.

Now referring to FIGS. 11-12, the UAV 32 is shown with an exemplaryconfiguration of the payload structure 34 employed to attach a camera tothe payload area of the UAV 32. A plurality of the payload modules 38 isattached to one another by the connectors 42 to substantiallycircumscribe the lower payload region of the UAV 32.

The modular design of the systems shown herein allow users to quicklyand easily assemble desired configurations in the field without the needfor specialized tools, and to customize the configuration to add as manylinked units as needed. In addition, the systems disclosed herein canreplace conventional landing gear entirely, thus eliminating the needfor an additional weighted device on the UAV while also allowing usersto carry payloads below the blades for safety and to maximize the numberof items attached, limited only by the maximum takeoff weight capacityof the drone. The system disclosed herein may include additionalfeatures that expand the viability or usefulness of the system for abroader range of applications and uses. For example, the system mayinclude various lighting elements (not shown) providing both visibilityof the UAV as well as remote lighting of desired regions on the ground.The systems disclosed herein may also include floatation elements or beconstructed from buoyant materials that enable the UAV to safely andeffectively land in water without submerging sensitive components orportions of the UAV and/or payload.

The systems provided herein are provide improved UAV customization andcapacity for a variety of different industries and applications,including fire rescue, police, fire fighting, cinematography, logistics,cargo/item delivery, and agriculture, to name a few. UAVs can be used todeliver aid or communication devices to those stranded and in need, andout of reach of immediate in-person assistance, such as stranded hikerson a mounting, distressed individuals in a flooded region, or the like.The system can also be used to securely hold objects, packages, andboxes for aerial delivery by a UAV.

It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the presentinvention is not limited to what has been particularly shown anddescribed herein above. In addition, unless mention was made above tothe contrary, it should be noted that all of the accompanying drawingsare not to scale. Of note, the system components have been representedwhere appropriate by conventional symbols in the drawings, showing onlythose specific details that are pertinent to understanding theembodiments of the present invention so as not to obscure the disclosurewith details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill inthe art having the benefit of the description herein. Moreover, whilecertain embodiments or figures described herein may illustrate featuresnot expressly indicated on other figures or embodiments, it isunderstood that the features and components of the examples disclosedherein are not necessarily exclusive of each other and may be includedin a variety of different combinations or configurations withoutdeparting from the scope and spirit of the invention. A variety ofmodifications and variations are possible in light of the aboveteachings without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention,which is limited only by the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A payload system for an unmanned aerial vehicle(“UAV”), comprising: a plurality of payload modules configured to attachto an underside of the UAV, wherein each payload module defines a curvedsurface having a plurality of mounting holes therethrough, and whereinthe plurality of payload modules is interconnected to form asubstantially continuous mounting surface.
 2. The payload system ofclaim 1, wherein the substantially continuous mounting surface issubstantially cylindrical.
 3. The payload system of claim 1, whereineach payload module is substantially identical to each of the otherpayload modules of the plurality.
 4. The payload system of claim 1,wherein each payload module is substantially parallel to each of theother payload modules of the plurality.
 5. The payload system of claim1, wherein the plurality of payload modules is sufficiently rigid tosupport a weight of the UAV.
 6. The payload system of claim 1, whereinthe substantially continuous mounting surface defines a circumferencebetween approximately 180 degrees and approximately 300 degrees.
 7. Thepayload system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of payload modules isinterconnected by one or more connectors defining protrusions matablewith one or more of the mounting holes.
 8. The payload system of claim1, wherein the plurality of payload modules defines a basket configuredto carry one or more instruments therein.
 9. The payload system of claim1, wherein each of the plurality of payload modules is verticallyaligned to form columns.
 10. The payload system of claim 1, wherein theplurality of mounting holes of each payload module is configured in anelongated configuration having three holes across a width and nine holesalong a length of the payload module.
 11. The payload system of claim 1,wherein each of the plurality of payload modules is constructed from abuoyant material.
 12. The payload system of claim 1, further comprisingat least one of a video device, photography device, sensor, andinstrument mounted to at least one of the payload modules
 13. Thepayload system of claim 1, further comprising one or more lightingelements attached to at least one of the payload modules.
 14. Anunmanned aerial vehicle (“UAV”) mounting system, comprising: a pluralityof vertically-oriented payload modules configured to attach to the UAV,each payload module defining a curved surface having a plurality ofmounting holes therethrough, wherein the plurality of payload modules ispositioned to form a substantially continuous, cylindrical mountingsurface; a plurality of connectors interconnecting the plurality ofpayload modules, wherein each connector defines one or more protrusionsmatable with the mounting holes; and at least one of a video device,photography device, sensor, and instrument mounted to the payloadmodules.
 15. The payload system of claim 15, wherein the plurality ofpayload modules is sufficiently rigid to support a weight of the UAVwhen landing.
 16. The payload system of claim 15, wherein thesubstantially continuous mounting surface defines a circumferencebetween approximately 180 degrees and approximately 300 degrees.
 17. Thepayload system of claim 15, wherein the plurality of payload modulesdefines a basket configured to carry one or more instruments therein.